Leon Provides Effective Leadership to Start-ups
What’s your story?
I am a simple European Kenyan born Australian who, having grown up in the bush down under, grew up with a desire to help the community. After 15 years as a ferocious entrepreneur and leader in the energy services sector, I am now trying to apply the important governance and leadership lessons learned to start-up businesses.
What excites you most about your industry?
Absolutely everything in the industry is exciting. There is such cool technology out there that has the potential to change the world, along with the challenge and duology that the energy sector needs to evolve greatly in order to meet the planet’s need for survival.
What is your connection to Asia?
Studying and growing up in Australia, I have always felt a connection to Asia, as being neighbors, we have the privilege of immersing ourselves in each other’s culture if we so feel compelled. I am one of the lucky ones, being able to live in and call Singapore my home for more than a decade.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Well, Singapore is by far my favourite, but I absolutely love the vibrancy of Shanghai, the people of Ho Chi Minh, and Bangkok, as well as the food experience of Tokyo.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I’ve been lucky to have many great mentors who all gave me memorable advice but my grandparent’s advice always stands out. “Always know the other horse in the race.” Whether investing time, energy, or money, always make sure that you are prepared, if you want to win. My grandfather used to say this to emphasize that preparation trumps natural ability.
Who inspires you?
My two beautiful daughters (5 and 2 years old); children do not have any boundaries dictating what they cannot do. When they learn to walk they fall down 1,000 times and happily get up to fall 1,001 times. As adults, we fall 3 times and throw in the towel.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
There is approximately only a 25 year supply of some precious metal reserves that are needed for new battery production. If we do not find a way to rejuvenate the spent batteries we have we will have no infrastructure for green energy initiatives.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing at all, I am blessed with the best family and friends one could hope for and if I did anything differently I may not have them all in my life.
How do you unwind?
Reading, boxing, riding motorcycles, and rum with a cigar. But never at the same time.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand. The people instantly make you chill out and smile more; and I miss the beach.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence, and Happiness,” by Dr. Steve Peters.
Shameless plug for your business:
No shameless plug. If you do not know what we are doing, then you may be missing out.
How can people connect with you?
www.linkedin.com/in/leon-farrant
Social Media Links?
https://twitter.com/farrant_leon
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
